Interviewing the interviewer?
Are you serious?
Yes.
It’s a pretty well-known fact that every candidate should bring in questions to the interview to look smart and invested in the outcome of the discussion.
But interviewing the interviewer, too?
Let’s put it this way: despite the perception that the employer “has all the power” in the interview, and no matter how badly you want the position, there’s one more variable:
Do you even want to work there?
Key clues happen during interviews that can help you understand what it might be like to work at that company.
And even more importantly, there are also cues as to whether you’d even like the person who would be your supervisor.
Getting to the heart of work culture and management styles is precisely the reason to plan on interviewing the interviewer.
Interviewing the Interviewer: Learn the signs
Consider these questions that are ones you keep to yourself, but use as a measuring stick during interviews:
Do you like the person?
Chemistry is often cited as a core value for companies. And that chemistry begins when you decide you like someone. If you walk into an interview, and there’s a weird vibe, LISTEN TO YOUR GUT. Intuition plays a huge role here… if you don’t like them off the bat, there’s probably a reason why.
Do they treat you with respect?
How they ask you questions in the interview and their reactions to your responses can tell a lot about a person. When you are interviewing an interviewer, you are gauging future treatment in the job by how they treat you now.
Do they treat others with respect?
Side looks and visible tension between interviewers can also be indicators of problems.
You might be treated well simply because in interviews, everyone is usually on their best behavior, but personal conflicts and lack of collegiate respect can speak volumes of how you can expect to be treated as well.
How do they value the contributions of team members?
Interviewing the interviewer and looking for signs as to how employers might value the work done by their employees also can be an indicator of a green light or a red flag warning.
How do they handle difficult situations or mistakes?
No one likes bosses that dump on them, so interviewing the interviewer to understand how they handle challenges can also tell you whether they will stand by their employees, or hang you out to dry.
How do they build team morale and synergy?
Asking questions when you are interviewing the interviewer to find out how motivated and excited they are about their job can also reveal volumes about how they build empowering workplaces.
Be smart.
Don’t be afraid to step into a role interviewing the interviewer during your next audition for a job opening.
This is always a two-way street, and you have every right to turn down a job that looks great on paper but in the interview, sounds like a complete in-motion train wreck.
Be smart.
Be vigilant.
And be confident.